Wichita River Festival
opens with the Sundown Parade and a fireworks
display along the Arkansas River which is launched from 3 locations. Past
festivals have had a zip line across the Arkansas River, jet ski races,
beach volleyball, bicycle tours, helicopter rides, horse rides, a hockey
tournament, the "upscale" tent at WaterWalk with restaurant dining and
musical acts, and many other musical venues.

Most activities at
the River Fest are close to the Arkansas River. There is even a floating
stage where the breeze off the water helps cool visitors on the hot June
days.

The opening night of
the festival (Friday June 3rd) includes a couple of big events which can
be appreciated without purchasing tickets. The Sundown
Parade begins at 6:30PM. The route starts at 3rd & Main, travels
down Main to Douglas, west on Douglas to Waco and north on Waco to 3rd.
Then at 10PM, the Opening Night Fireworks is along the Arkansas River and
choreographed to a unique musical arrangement which is live simulcast on
97.1 BOB-FM.

New for 2016, the Blacktop
Nationals will be during the final weekend of Wichita River Festival.
Formerly in August, the three day car show includes classic & new car
displays, competitions and hands-on demonstrations,

River Fest was born
on May 27, 1972 as the Wichitennial River Festival and Traders Day. Approximately
2,000 buttons were sold at $1 each.

The 2011 Sundown parade lasted nearly an hour an included entries like
this conestoga wagon "Windwagon"

Some of the street displays at the 2015 Blacktop Nationals

Zipline across the Arkansas River next to the Douglas Avenue Bridge

This carnival was in 2011 - the 2013 carnival rides and inflatables
will be free with a RiverFest button

Jet ski racers from across the nation race at speeds reaching 80 mph.

Kayaks, canoes and peddle boats are free with a Riverfest button

A. Price Woodard Park in only one of several food venues at River Fest

Chan's chicken on a stick ($7) - this was the best of several dishes
sampled

The Substitutes performing on the floating stage at A. Price
Woodard Park on Saturday, June 4, 2011